Method and apparatus for handling material in a pneumatic materials handling system

ABSTRACT

A method for handling material in a pneumatic materials handling system, in which material is input from an input aperture of an input point and is handled with a rotary shaper, arranged in connection with the input point, to be more compact and is transferred onwards. The rotary shaper includes a rotatable handling device with an aperture, which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation. The rotary shaper includes at least one stationary handling device, in which case the material to be handled is conducted into and through the rotary shaper at least partly by gravity, by suction, or by a pressure difference, or at least partly by a combination of two or more of the gravity, the suction, and the pressure difference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is a method as defined in the preamble ofclaim 1.

The object of the invention is also an apparatus as defined in thepreamble of claim 14.

The invention relates generally to materials handling systems, such aspartial-vacuum conveying systems, more particularly to the collectionand moving of wastes, such as to the moving of household wastes.

Systems wherein wastes are moved in piping by means of an air currentproduced by a pressure difference or suction are known in the art. Inthese, wastes are moved long distances in the piping. It is typical tothese systems that a partial-vacuum apparatus is used to bring about apressure difference, in which apparatus a partial vacuum is achieved inthe transfer pipe with partial-vacuum generators, such as with vacuumpumps or with an ejector apparatus. A transfer pipe typically comprisesat least one valve means, by opening and closing which the replacementair coming into the transfer pipe is regulated. Input points at theinput end of the material are used in the systems, from which inputpoints the material, such as wastes, is transferred into the system. Thesystem can also comprise refuse chutes into which material, such aswaste material, is input and from which the material to be transferredis transferred into a transfer pipe by opening a discharge valve means,in which case, by means of the sucking effect achieved by the aid of thepartial vacuum acting in the transfer pipe and also by means of thesurrounding air pressure acting via the refuse chute, material such ase.g. waste material packed into bags, is transferred from the refusechute into the transfer pipe. The pneumatic waste transfer systems inquestion can be utilized particularly well in densely populated urbanareas. These types of areas have tall buildings, in which the input ofwastes into a pneumatic waste transfer system is performed via a refusechute arranged in the building.

The refuse chute is a vertical pipe, preferably comprising a number ofinput points, which are typically arranged in the wall of the refusechute at a distance from each other. Tall buildings can comprise manytens, even hundreds, of storeys, in which case the refuse chute forms avery high pipe.

Wastes are transferred pneumatically in a closed system to the receptionstation, in which the wastes are compressed with a press only aftertransportation. The pipes of a pneumatic transfer system are in normalcases rather large in diameter, e.g. in the region of 500 mm in theirdiameter.

Also known in the art are solutions wherein a waste mill, such as awaste grinder, with which the wastes to be input are ground into smallsize, is arranged in connection with or in the proximity of a wasteinput location. A waste mill grinds wastes but does not compress thewastes. In the solution in question the blades of waste mills are alsosubjected to large stressing, in which case they must be replaced often.

Publication WO8203200 A1 discloses a device for fine-grinding,compressing and outputting a high-volume bulk good, more particularlyhousehold wastes, by means of which the waste material conducted throughthe device can be compacted. In the solution according to thepublication large output powers are typically needed, especially insituations in which the device is used to cut or fine-grind a material,in which case the energy consumption of the drive devices and the costsof the drive devices are high. In addition, the passage of stones orother corresponding material between the cutting blades can producebreakage of the blades.

The aim of the present invention is to achieve a new type of solution inconnection with input points of wastes, or in connection with refusechutes or waste bins, by means of which the drawbacks of prior art willbe avoided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The method according to the invention is mainly characterized by what isstated in the characterization part of claim 1.

The method according to the invention is also characterized by what isstated in claims 2-13.

The apparatus according to the invention is mainly characterized by whatis stated in the characterization part of claim 14.

The apparatus according to the invention is also characterized by whatis stated in claims 13-27.

The solution according to the invention has a number of importantadvantages. By means of the invention a particularly efficient solutionfor the handling of material, more particularly for pneumatic pipetransport, is achieved. With the solution according to the invention thematerial to be handled is made to be centered, i.e. is brought towardsthe center, in which case the material can be efficiently fitted into atransport pipe or a container. More particularly, waste material canwith the solution according to the invention be efficiently compactedwith the rotary shaper according to the invention and efficienttransportation can be achieved with a significantly smaller pipe sizecompared to unshaped waste material. By using suction, in addition togravity, to transfer the material to be handled from the rotary shaperinto the transport pipe, an advantageous solution for a combination of arotary shaper and pipe transport is achieved. By providing the rotaryshaper with replacement air couplings arranged in it or in the proximityof it, an efficient supply of replacement air is achieved particularlyin connection with a pneumatic materials handling system, such as a pipetransport system. Replacement air can be conducted into connection withthe rotary shaper before the shaper, into the shaper and/or after theshaper. With a replacement air coupling arranged after the shaper, whichcoupling is connected to an output pipe or to a transfer pipe, effectivestarting into motion of handled material in the material transfer isachieved in the output pipe/transfer pipe. The conducting of replacementair can also be improved by conducting replacement air into the rotaryshaper via at least one second replacement air coupling or aperture.Replacement air is guided directly or from between handling means thatare one above the other or from between the support surfaces and thehandling means into the handling apertures of the handling means andonwards into the output aperture and output pipe. Via the pathway of themedium, some medium, such as gas and/or liquid, can be conducted to thebutt-end surfaces of the handling means. Typically the medium is air.The medium can, on the other hand, facilitate the rotation of thehandling means by reducing friction between them and the surfacessupporting them. It can also be conceived that the air functions as somekind of bearing for the handling means. By means of the medium, moreparticularly with compressed air blowing, stone chips, glass chips andother such chips that cause wear can be prevented from going between thehandling means and the support surfaces. The medium can also function asa type of air bearing for the shaping means. Further, it can beadvantageous to bring about an air current by directing at least a partof the replacement air via the medium channels and/or from between thehandling means such that in suction the seals admit inward air. In thiscase the air assists the transfer of the material to be handled in therotary shaper towards the output aperture and onwards into the outputaperture. Replacement air can be brought into the rotary shaper e.g. ina corresponding manner to what has been done in connection with refusechutes, e.g. by applying the solution of publication WO/2009/130374 inconnection with the rotary shaper. By adjusting the intake ofreplacement air, the operation of the apparatus can be optimized.

By forming the shape of the aperture of the handling means, an extremelyefficient shaping of the material to be handled for onwardtransportation can be achieved. With a certain magnitude of the anglebetween the edges of the apertures of consecutive handling means,effective operation of the apparatus is achieved.

The handling devices of a rotary shaper are preferably driven with adrive device and with an applicable power transmission means. Accordingto one preferred embodiment a belt transmission is used to transmitforce. There can be one or more drive devices. When using hydraulicmotors, the available torque can be increased by using two motors. Themotors can be controlled on the basis of pressure, in which case atfirst both the rotatable handling means are driven with one shared motorand when the pressure of the system grows, owing to the material to behandled, the second motor is connected into use. In this case, accordingto the embodiment, the torque increases, e.g. doubles, and the speed ofrotation decreases, e.g. halves. According to a second preferredembodiment the drive devices can be connected so that each rotatablehandling means can, if necessary, be rotated with its own motor(s), inwhich case the direction of rotation can be changed individually, inwhich case the handling means can be rotated, if necessary, in oppositedirections with respect to each other. Additionally, if necessary, thewhole output power can be connected to drive only just one rotatablehandling means. On the other hand, the material to be handled can befurther compressed with a second compression phase arranged between theoutput aperture of the rotary shaper and the transport pipe, in whichcompression phase the press device is a piston-cylinder combination.With the second press device also the transfer of handled material intoa transfer pipe is achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following, the invention will be described in more detail by theaid of an example of its embodiment with reference to the attacheddrawings, wherein

FIG. 1 presents a simplified embodiment of an apparatus according to theinvention,

FIG. 2 presents a simplified embodiment of an apparatus according to theinvention,

FIG. 3 presents a simplified and partially sectioned embodiment of anapparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 4 presents a simplified and partially sectioned embodiment of anapparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 5 presents a simplified embodiment of an apparatus according to theinvention,

FIG. 6 presents a simplified and partially sectioned embodiment of anapparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 7 presents a simplified and partially sectioned embodiment of anapparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 7 a presents a handling means of an apparatus according to theinvention, sectioned along the line A-A of FIG. 7 b,

FIG. 7 b presents a handling means of an apparatus according to theinvention,

FIG. 8 a presents a simplified first rotatable handling means of anapparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 8 b presents a simplified first stationary (non-rotatable) handlingmeans of an apparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 8 c presents a simplified second rotatable handling means of anapparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 9 a presents a simplified view of one operating state of the firstrotatable handling means, of the stationary handling means and of thesecond rotatable handling means of an apparatus according to theinvention, as viewed in the input direction,

FIG. 9 b presents a simplified view of a second operating state of thefirst rotatable handling means, of the stationary handling means and ofthe second rotatable handling means of an apparatus according to theinvention, as viewed in the input direction,

FIG. 9 c presents a simplified view of a third operating state of thefirst rotatable handling means, of the stationary handling means and ofthe second rotatable handling means of an apparatus according to theinvention, as viewed in the input direction,

FIG. 10 a presents a simplified embodiment of a first rotatable handlingmeans of an apparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 10 b presents a simplified embodiment of a first stationary(non-rotatable) handling means of an apparatus according to theinvention,

FIG. 10 c presents a simplified embodiment of a second rotatablehandling means of an apparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 11 a presents a simplified view of one operating state of the firstrotatable handling means, of the stationary handling means and of thesecond rotatable handling means of an embodiment of an apparatusaccording to the invention, as viewed in the input direction,

FIG. 11 b presents a simplified view of a second operating state of thefirst rotatable handling means, of the stationary handling means and ofthe second rotatable handling means an apparatus according to theinvention, as viewed in the input direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 presents one embodiment of the solution according to theinvention, in which the rotary shaper device 1 is arranged in connectionwith a refuse chute 3 or corresponding with a fitting part 2. Only apart of the refuse chute is presented. The material, such as householdwaste, waste paper, cardboard or other waste, is input into a refusechute 3 and from there onwards via a fitting part 2 into an inputaperture 6 of the rotary shaper 1. The material to be handled is shapedand compacted in the rotary shaper and after handling is conducted viaan output coupling 4 into transfer piping 5 by means of suction and/or apressure difference produced by e.g. the drive devices of a pneumaticpipe transport system. One advantage of the embodiment of the inventionis that the waste material is made into a suitable shape, in which itfits for transferring in transport piping 4, 5. In this case transferpiping 5 that is significantly smaller in diameter can be used.According to one embodiment e.g. a pipe with a diameter in the region of150-300 mm, preferably in the region of 200 mm, can be used as atransfer pipe 5. According to the invention simultaneous suction is usedin the embodiment, in which case the material to be handled can beinfluenced with suction or with a pressure difference acting via thetransfer pipe 5 and the output coupling 4 when conducting the materialthrough the handling means 10A, 10B, 10C of the rotary shaper 1. Thehandling means are rim-like, each of which has an aperture 11A, 11B, 11C(FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, 10 a, 10 b, 10 c) from the first side, from theinput side, to the output side. At least a part of the handling meansare rotated in the embodiment of the figure around the vertical axiswith the drive device 7 and with the transmission means 8, 9A, 9C. Inthe figure the topmost rotatable handling means 10A and the bottommostrotatable handling means 10C are rotated, and between them remains anon-rotating, stationary handling means 10B. A valve means 55, such as adisc valve, which is driven with a drive device 56 of the valve, can bebelow the rotary shaper 1. The valve means 55 opens and closes theconnection between the rotary shaper and the output coupling 4 and thuswith the valve means 55 the suction effect from the transfer pipe intothe rotary shaper is adjusted.

Correspondingly, according to the second embodiment of the invention,the rotary shaper is used in the embodiment of FIG. 2 in connection withan input point of the materials transfer system, such as in connectionwith an input point of kitchen waste. The rotary shaper 100 is adaptedin connection with the feeder hopper 200 of an input point, in whichcase the material to be handled is input from the feeder hopper 200 intothe input aperture 6 of the rotary shaper. In the rotary shaper thematerial is shaped into a suitable shape for transportation in pipingand is conducted from the output coupling 400 to further handling, e.g.via the transfer piping 500 of a pneumatic pipe transport system.

FIG. 3 presents a part of one simplified embodiment of a rotary shaperaccording to the invention. In the figure the rotary shaper is presentedwithout any drive devices of the shaping means. The rotary shapercomprises a frame, onto which ring-shaped handling means 10A, 10B, 10Care arranged. In the vertical direction a plurality of ring-likehandling means 10A, 10B, 10C, which comprise an aperture 11A, 11B, 11Cleading from the first side to the second side of the ring, is arrangedbelow the input aperture 6 of the material to be handled. The ring-likehandling means are adapted in connection with a relative rotationalmovement around a geometric axis, which is mainly identical with thegeometric axis of an input chute, to transfer an inputted bulk good intothe center of the rings through the ring-like handling means by gravityand/or by means of the suction/pressure-difference produced by thepartial-vacuum generators of a pneumatic materials handling system, suchas of a pipe transport system, at least by shaping the bulk goodsimultaneously with the combined action of the rotating rings and atleast one stationary (non-rotating) ring. The handling means 10A, 10B,10C can be adapted to rotate in opposite directions to each other, butas is presented in the figures in the preferred embodiment, every secondring-like handling means 10B (in the figure, the centermost handlingmeans 10B) is fixed immovably to the frame and every second ring-likehandling means 10A, 10C (in the figure, the topmost and the bottommosthandling means) is fixed rotatably. The speed of rotation and thedirection of rotation of the rotatable handling means can be varied.Additionally, according to one embodiment the rotary torque can bevaried. The handling means 10A, 10C can be rotated individuallyaccording to one embodiment, in which case each handling means has itsown drive device.

In FIG. 3 means for bringing replacement air into connection with therotary shaper are arranged in connection with the rotary shaper.According to the figure the means comprise a replacement air coupling80, which is e.g. a pipe, which is connected to the output pipe 4 in theembodiment of the figure. A shut-off/adjustment means 81, such as avalve, is arranged in the replacement air coupling 80 for adjustingand/or for shutting off the intake of replacement air. The figure alsopresents a damping means 82, such as a silencer, to which also a filtermeans can be connected. By providing the rotary shaper with replacementair couplings 80 arranged in it or in the proximity of it, an efficientsupply of replacement air is achieved particularly in connection with apneumatic materials handling system, such as a pipe transport system.Replacement air can be conducted into connection with the rotary shaperbefore the shaper, into the shaper and/or after the shaper. With areplacement air coupling 80 arranged after the shaper, which coupling isconnected to an output pipe 4 or to a transfer pipe 5, effectivestarting into motion of handled material in the material transfer isachieved in the output pipe/transfer pipe of a pneumatic pipe transportsystem. The apparatus comprises in the embodiment of the figure a valvemeans 51 arranged in the transfer pipe, with which means the connectionbetween the transfer pipe 5 and the rotary shaper 1 can be closed andopened.

FIG. 4 presents a part of one simplified embodiment of a rotary shaperaccording to the invention. The figure diagrammatically presents thedrive device 7 of the rotary shaper and the transmission of its power tothe handling means. At least a part of the handling means 10C arerotated in the embodiment of the figure around the vertical axis withthe drive device 7 and with the transmission means 8, 9C. The ring-likehandling means 10C is adapted to function as a countersurface of thetransmission means 9C of the power transmission of the drive device 7,e.g. for a belt means, which countersurface is included in the powertransmission apparatus for bringing about rotation of the handling means10C.

FIG. 5 presents an apparatus according to an embodiment of theinvention, partly sectioned according to the line V-V of FIG. 3. Inaddition, the figure presents the drive device 7, which is omitted fromFIG. 3 for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 6 presents one embodiment of the apparatus according to theinvention, in which at least one second replacement air coupling 90 isarranged in the rotary shaper 1. At least one second replacement aircoupling 90 is arranged in the base part 28, from where there is amedium connection via the handling means 10C of the rotary shaper to theoutput aperture 37. In the figure, the pathway of the medium leads viathe aperture 11C of the handling means 10C to the output aperture andonwards to the output pipe 4. In the figure there are a number ofreplacement air couplings 90, and they can be arranged in a distributedmanner on a rim on the base part 28 around the fixing point of theoutput pipe 4. With the second replacement air coupling 90 the intake ofreplacement air into the rotary shaper can be made more efficient, inwhich case the transfer of material from the rotary shaper towards theoutput aperture and into the output aperture is made more efficient. Thesecond replacement air coupling can comprise a valve means 91. The valvemeans 91 can be a suction valve, e.g. a rubber flap. On the other hand,according to one embodiment the second replacement air coupling 91 canalso be e.g. an aperture formed in the base part 28. The lid part of therotary shaper is marked in the figures with the reference number 27.

FIG. 7 presents a simplified and partially sectioned second embodimentof a rotary shaper according to the invention. In the figure the rotaryshaper is presented without any drive devices and transmission means ofthe shaping means. The rotary shaper comprises a frame, onto whichring-shaped handling means 10A, 10B, 10C are arranged. In the verticaldirection a plurality of ring-like handling means 10A, 10B, 10C, whichcomprise an aperture 11A, 11B, 11C leading from the first side to thesecond side of the ring, is arranged below the input aperture 6 of thematerial to be handled. The ring-like handling means are adapted inconnection with a relative rotational movement around a geometric axis,which is mainly identical with the geometric axis of an input chute, totransfer an inputted bulk good into the center of the rings through thering-like handling means by gravity and/or by means of thesuction/pressure-difference produced by the partial-vacuum generators ofa pneumatic materials handling system, such as of a pipe transportsystem, at least by shaping the bulk good simultaneously with thecombined action of the rotating rings and at least one stationary(non-rotating) ring. The handling means 10A, 10B, 10C can be adapted torotate in opposite directions to each other, but as is presented in thefigures in the preferred embodiment, every second ring-like handlingmeans 10B (in the figure, the centermost handling means 10B) is fixedimmovably to the frame and every second ring-like handling means 10A,10C (in the figure, the topmost and the bottommost handling means) isfixed rotatably. The speed of rotation and the direction of rotation ofthe rotatable handling means can be varied. Additionally, according toone embodiment the rotary torque can be varied. The handling means 10A,10C can be rotated individually according to one embodiment, in whichcase each handling means has its own drive device.

The ring-like handling means 10A, 10B, 10C, or at least a part of them,and the inner surface 13A, 13B, 13C of their apertures 11A, 11B, 11C arepatterned and/or arranged to be such in their shape that theirrotational movement simultaneously feeds material onwards from anaperture 11A, 11B, 11C towards the output end and the output aperture37. Typically at least the rotating handling means 10A, 10C are arrangedto be such that they transfer material towards the output end and theoutput coupling 4.

The material conducted through the handling means 10A, 10B, 10C in therotary shaper is compressed and compacted. The output aperture 37 of therotary shaper is, according to one embodiment, arranged to be to someextent smaller than the diameter of the next pipe, such as of thetransfer pipe 4, 5. By forming the output aperture of the rotary shaperto be to some extent smaller than the diameter of the transport pipe,effective transfer of the handled material into the transport pipe bymeans of suction can be achieved.

The rotatable handling means are rotated by a drive device 7, e.g. bymeans of a transmission means, such as a belt transmission 8, 9A, 9C.The outer rim 15A, 15C of a ring-like handling means 10A, 10C is adaptedto function as a countersurface of the transmission means of the powertransmission of the drive device, e.g. for a belt means, whichcountersurface is included in the power transmission apparatus forbringing about rotation of a ring. The outer rim 15A, 15C of thehandling means 10A, 10C can be shaped suitably. For example, a camberedor barrel-like shape has been observed to be very effective in oneembodiment. The rotation trajectory of a handling means is achieved byarranging e.g. limiting means and/or bearing means and a countersurfaceto the ring-like handling means, most suitably a rim-like rollingsurface or sliding surface, onto the rim of which the limiting meansand/or bearing means are arranged in a distributed manner.

Typically the limiting means and/or bearing means are arranged betweenthe bottommost ring-like handling means 10C and the base part 28 of theframe part, between the bottommost ring-like handling means 10C and thecentermost, most suitably non-rotating, handling means 10B, and betweenthe non-rotating handling means 10B and the topmost handling means 10A.It can also be conceived that separate rolling means are not used, butinstead the handling means are arranged to rest on one another and/or torest on the base part 28 of the frame part. In this case the bringing ofthe medium to between the handling means and the support surfaces thatis described below can be utilized.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 7, 7 a and 7 b the rotary shaper is providedwith means for conducting the medium to the butt-end surfaces of thehandling means. According to FIG. 7, pathways 70, 71, 72 of the mediumare formed in the non-rotating lid plate and in the base plate of thedevice as well as in the non-rotating handling means, with whichpathways medium can be conducted to the surface that is against therotatable handling means 10A, 10C. According to FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, thepathway of the medium is in connection with a groove 74 opening towardsthe surface. The handling means and/or the lid part and the base partcomprise a sealing means 75. Via the pathway of the medium, some medium,such as gas and/or liquid, can be conducted to the butt-end surfaces ofthe handling means. Typically the medium is air. The air can come asreplacement air from the effect of suction produced by the pneumaticsystem into the piping 4, 5 or it can be delivered with a pump device,such as with an air compressor (not shown). The medium can, on the otherhand, facilitate the rotation of the handling means by reducing frictionbetween them and the surfaces supporting them. It can also be conceivedthat the air functions as some kind of bearing for the handling means.

By means of the medium, more particularly with compressed air blowing,stone chips, glass chips and other such chips that cause wear can beprevented from going between the handling means and the supportsurfaces. As explained above, this can also function as a type of airbearing.

Further, it can be advantageous to bring about an air current bydirecting at least a part of the replacement air via the medium channels70, 71, 72, 73, 74 and/or from between the handling means such that insuction the seals 75 admit inward air. In this case the air assists thetransfer of the material to be handled in the rotary shaper towards theoutput aperture and onwards into the output aperture 37.

The diameter of the output aperture 37 is thus in one embodiment to someextent smaller than the diameter of the section of transfer pipe 4, 5following it. According to one embodiment the diameter of the outputaperture is at least 2-20 percent, preferably 4-15 percent, smaller thanthe section of transfer pipe following it. In this case, when thesuction is on, the material to be handled does not stick to the insidewall of the pipe but instead immediately accelerates into motion.According to a second embodiment the output aperture is at least 5percent smaller than the section of transfer pipe following it. In oneembodiment the diameter of the output aperture 37 is 180 mm, in whichcase the diameter of the transfer pipe is 210 mm. According to oneembodiment the cross-sectional area of the smallest rotation rim of ahandling means is, however, typically smaller than the cross-sectionalarea of an output aperture. According to one embodiment the diameter ofthe smallest rotation rim is at least 2-20 percent, preferably 4-15percent, smaller than the diameter of the receiving aperture followingit. In this case, when the suction is on, the material to be handleddoes not stick to the inside wall of the aperture but insteadimmediately accelerates into motion. According to a second embodiment,the rotation rim is at least 5 percent smaller than the diameter of thereceiving aperture following it. In this case material can be conductedefficiently from the rotary shaper via the output aperture into thetransfer piping.

The rotational movement of the handling means 10A, 10C can be achievede.g. with an electric motor or with other arrangements. According to asecond embodiment the rotational movement is achieved with a hydraulicmotor such that both the rotatable handling means 10A, 100 are rotatedwith two shared hydraulic motors 7. In this case in the normal operatingprocess both the handling means 10A, 100 can be rotated with one motor.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, handling means thathave a round shape of the aperture 11A, 11B, 11C are presented. Theapertures are arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis ofrotation of the handling means. The aperture 11A, 11B, 11C of eachhandling means has an inner surface 13A, 13B, 13C. The inner surface ofthe apertures of the handling means shape the material to be handled.FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, 9 c illustrate different situations when the shapingmeans are moved during the handling of the material.

The rotary shaper thus functions in a way as a re-arranger and compactor(i.e. as a formatter). Under the effect of suction the handling means10A, 100 of the rotary shaper shape the material to be handled so thatit fits into an output aperture 37.

In the case of FIGS. 8 a-8 c, the shape of the aperture 11A, 11B, 11C ofthe handling means is a symmetrical hole (shape), e.g. round. It can beconceived that it is also some other shape, such as oval. In this casethe direction of rotation can be varied. Should too large a load arise,the wheel stops and the direction of rotation is changed. When the loadincreases to be too large for one of the rotatable handling means, itsdirection of rotation is changed. The rotation is preferably detectedwith a motion sensor, e.g. from the diverting pulleys of the driveapparatus and/or from a pressure sensor of the hydraulics.

The apertures of the handling means can be of different sizes and in adifferent position with respect to the center, so that the loading canbe efficiently distributed and that a sufficiently large aperture forwaste is obtained.

It has been shown that the power required is extremely small, e.g. inthe region of only 2-3 kW.

The handling means 10A, 10C can thus be rotated in opposite directionswith respect to each other, in which case the material to be handleddoes not start to rotate along with the handling means. Rotation of thematerial would disrupt shaping of the material into the desired shape.

It is also advantageous to rotate the handling means at a differentspeed, because then the compression on each cycle changes at differentpoints and a suitable compression for each waste is always obtained atsome point.

With specific types of material, such as with cardboard and paperboard,a compressor means (not presented in the figures) can also be used,which compressor means compresses the waste against the handling meansfrom above.

This waste type probably also requires the aforementioned inner surface13A, 13B, 13C of the shaped apertures 11A, 11B, 11C, which inner surfacepartly rips apart the cardboard and feeds it onwards.

Cardboard or other corresponding material types are typicallychallenging for pneumatic transportation, because a bent sheet easilyopens and spreads against the inner surface of the piping and allows theair to pass it. With the apparatus according to the invention it iscompacted and shaped into a suitable “cartridge”, which is suited to thetransport piping.

When the handling means 10A is rotating, the inner surface 13Adetermines the through-passage aperture 11A through the handling means,which aperture is free of obstacles. Means, such as a threaded groove ora band, which when the handling means rotates in the input direction atthe same time feeds the material to be handled from the aperture 11Aonwards in the handling direction, can thus be formed on the innersurface 13A of a handling means.

In the rotary shaper according to the invention a non-rotating handlingmeans 10B is adapted below and supports the topmost rotating handlingmeans 10A, which non-rotating handling means is fixed to the housingwith fixing elements. The non-moving handling means 10B is typicallyformed in a corresponding manner to the rotating ring 10A describedearlier.

In a corresponding manner the second rotatable handling means 10C alsocomprises an aperture 11C, which aperture comprises an inner surface13C, as is seen especially from the diagrammatic FIG. 8 c.

According to one embodiment the aperture 11A, 11B, 11C of eachconsecutive handling means is smaller in the transport direction of thematerial than the aperture of the preceding handling means, in whichcase the pathway towards the output aperture 37 narrows.

The bottommost rotating handling means 10C is arranged rotatably on thebase 28, which comprises an output aperture 37 for feeding out via itthe bulk good compressed by means of the rings.

FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, 10 c present still another embodiment, in which theapertures 11A, 11C of the handling means, of at least the rotatablehandling means, are different to those in FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 8 c.

The edge 13A of the aperture 11A of the first handling means 10Apresented by FIG. 10 a has a shape containing an outer curved section13A1 and a second inner curved section 13A3. A mainly straight section13A2 connects these curved sections. There are two straight sections, inwhich case the shape of the aperture narrows from the side of the outercurved section 13A1 towards the inner curved section. The radius ofcurvature of the first curved section is greater than the radius ofcurvature of the second curved section.

FIG. 10 b presents a first stationary, non-rotatable handling means 10B,which in the figure comprises a round aperture 11B, which has an edge13B.

FIG. 10 c presents a second rotatable handling means 11C, which has anaperture 11C, the edge 13C of which has a shape containing an outercurved section 13C1 and a second inner curved section 13C3. A mainlystraight section 13C2 connects these curved sections. There are twostraight sections, in which case the shape of the aperture narrows fromthe side of the outer curved section 13C1 towards the inner curvedsection 13C2. The radius of curvature of the first curved section isgreater than the radius of curvature of the second curved section. Thesize of the aperture of the second rotatable handling means is typicallysmaller than the size of the aperture of the first rotatable handlingmeans.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b present in simplified form a few differentsituations, as viewed in the input direction of the material, of theoperation of the handling means 10A, 10B, 10C of FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, 10 c.

When the handling means 10A, 10C are made to rotate, via the drivedevice and the power transmission means, the inner surface 13A of theaperture 11A of the ring in the first ring 10A acts on the material,such as on the household waste, that flows into the input chute 2 fromthe refuse chute 3. A bulk good in this case is, on the one hand, pushedinwards towards the center of the ring and, on the other hand, downwardsin the axial direction from the effect of gravity and/or from the effectof suction and/or from the effect of the means transferring thematerial, which means is achieved on the inner surface of the handlingmeans. The bulk good in this case is forced into the grip of the innersurface 13B of the non-moving ring 10B disposed below the ring 10A. Thebulk good becomes shaped, compressed and in this case also transfers inthis ring, on the one hand, inwards towards the center of the ring and,on the other hand, in the axial direction towards the next rotating ring10C. Radial variations are thus produced in connection with the transferthrough all the rings during the simultaneous axial feed of the bulkgood flow.

An angle α (alfa) forms between the inner surface 13A of the aperture11A of the first handling means 10A and the inner surface 13B of theaperture 11B of the second handling means 10B at the point of theirintersection point. FIG. 11 a presents the angle α (alfa) on one side atthe point of intersection of the edges 13A, 13B of the apertures 11A,11B, but there is also an angle (not marked in the figure) on the secondedge of the walls of the apertures, for which angle the same marking canbe used generally in this context. It has been observed in tests thatthe angle α (alfa) between the edges of the apertures of handling meansthat are one above the other is in one embodiment larger than 45degrees. In this case when at least the other of the handling meansrotates the material behaves in the desired manner, shaping andtransferring towards the center and not remaining “jammed” between thehandling means at the point of the angle α (alfa) at the intersectionpoint. When the edge of the aperture of the handling means is curved,the angle α (alfa) can be conceived to be formed between the straighttangents passing via the intersection points of the edges of theapertures.

Correspondingly, an angle β (beta) forms at the intersection pointbetween the edges 13B and 13C of the apertures 11B, 11C of the secondhandling means 10B and the third handling means 10C. FIG. 11 a presentsthe angle β (beta) on one side at the point of intersection of the edges13B, 13C of the apertures 11B, 11C, but there is also an angle (notmarked in the figure) on the second edge of the walls of the apertures,for which angle the same marking can be used generally in this context.It has been observed in tests that the angle β (beta) between the edgesof the apertures of handling means that are one above the other is inone embodiment larger than 45 degrees. In this case when at least theother of the handling means rotates the material behaves in the desiredmanner, shaping and transferring towards the center and not remaining“jammed” between the handling means at the point of the angle alfa atthe intersection point. When the edge of the aperture of the handlingmeans is curved, the angle β (beta) can be conceived to be formedbetween the straight tangents passing via the intersection points of theedges of the apertures.

The magnitude of the angles α, β; alfa and beta remains in the desiredrange, according to one embodiment, although the direction of rotationof the rotatable handling means is varied.

The general operation of a prior-art rotary press is presented e.g. inpublication WO8203200 A1, and it is not described in more detail in thispublication.

The degree of shaping can be influenced with the size and shape of theapertures of the shaping means, and also with the patterning of theinner edge of the aperture. Household waste input as a shaped streaminto the transfer pipe is transferred in the pipe onwards by means ofsuction and/or a pressure difference to the reception location, such asto a waste station or corresponding.

The invention thus relates to a method for handling material in apneumatic materials handling system, in which material, such as wastematerial, is input from an input aperture of an input point, such asfrom the input aperture of a refuse chute 3 or of some other inputpoint, and is handled with a shaping device 1, arranged in connectionwith the input point or in the proximity of it, to be more compact andis transferred onwards. The shaping device 1 is a rotary shaper, whichcomprises rotatable handling means 10A, 10C, which comprise an aperture11A, 11C, which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis ofrotation, and which rotary shaper comprises at least one stationaryhandling means 10B, in which case the material to be handled isconducted into the rotary shaper and/or through it at least partly bymeans of gravity and/or suction and/or a pressure difference, and thatinto connection with the rotary shaper, before it and/or into the rotaryshaper and/or after the rotary shaper, replacement air is conducted withat least one replacement air coupling 80, 90.

According to one embodiment in the method the intake of replacement airis adjusted with a shut-off/adjustment means 81, 91.

According to one embodiment by means of the replacement air conductedinto the transfer pipe 4, 5 via the replacement air coupling 80 disposedafter the rotary shaper, the start of movement of handled material ismade more efficient.

According to one embodiment at least a part of the handling means 10A,10C of the rotary shaper when rotating feeds the material to be handledthrough the handling means.

According to one embodiment the rotatable handling means 10A, 100 shapesthe material, together with at least one other preferably non-movinghandling means 10B.

According to one embodiment in the direction of travel of the materialto be handled the cross-sectional area of the material flow passingthrough the handling means 10A, 10B, 100 of the rotary shaper isdecreased such that the material can be conducted into the materialtransfer pipe 4, 5 disposed after the rotary shaper.

According to one embodiment the direction of rotation of the rotatablehandling means 10A, 10C can be varied.

According to one embodiment the rotatable handling means 10A, 10C aredriven with a drive device 7 such that the torque can be varied.

According to one embodiment the direction of rotation of each rotatablehandling means 10A, 10C can be varied individually.

According to one embodiment the drive device 7 of a rotatable handlingmeans is an electric motor, a pneumatic motor or a hydraulic motor.

According to one embodiment the pneumatic materials handling system is apipe transport system of material, more particularly of waste material.

According to one embodiment medium is brought to the gap between atleast a part of the handling means 10A, 10B, 10C and/or to the gapbetween the handling means 10A, 10B and the parts 27, 28 supportingthem.

According to one embodiment the mutual shape of the edges 13A, 13B, 13Cof the apertures of the handling means 10A, 10B, 10C is adapted suchthat they center the input material independently of the direction ofrotation of the rotatable handling means.

The invention also relates to an apparatus for handling material in apneumatic materials handling system, such as in a pipe transport system,which comprises at least one input point, such as a refuse chute 3 orsome other input point 200, and a shaper device 1, arranged inconnection with the input point or in the proximity of it, and means fortransferring material onwards in the transfer piping. The shaper deviceis a rotary shaper 1, 100, a part of the rim-like handling means 10A 10B10C of which are rotatable handling means 10A, 10C, and which handlingmeans comprise an aperture 11A, 11B, 11C, which is arrangedeccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotatablehandling means, and a part are stationary handling means 10B, and thatthe material to be handled is adapted to be conducted into the rotaryshaper and through it at least partly by means of gravity and/or suctionand/or a pressure difference, and in that the apparatus comprises atleast one replacement air coupling 80, 90 for conducting replacement airinto connection with the rotary shaper, before it and/or into the rotaryshaper and/or after the rotary shaper.

According to one embodiment a shut-off/adjustment means 81, 91 isarranged in at least one replacement air coupling 80, 90.

According to one embodiment at least one replacement air coupling 80 isadapted after the rotary shaper into a transfer pipe 4, 5 or into a pipeleading into a transfer pipe.

According to one embodiment at least a part of the handling means 10A,10B, 10C of the rotary shaper comprises surface patterning or acorresponding means, such as a thread section, that feeds material,which surface patterning is adapted when the handling means 10A, 10C isrotated to transfer the material to be handled through the compressionphase formed by the handling means of a rotary press.

According to one embodiment in the direction of travel of the materialthe cross-sectional area of the material pathway 11A, 11B, 11C passingthrough the handling means 10A, 10B, 10C of the rotary shaper decreasesin the direction of travel of the material.

According to one embodiment the apparatus comprises channel means 70,71, 72 arranged in connection with the shaping means for bringing mediumto the support surface 12A, 12B, 12C; 14A, 14B, 14C of at least a partof the shaping means 10A, 10B, 10C.

According to one embodiment an input coupling 70, 71, 72 for medium andchanneling 73, 74 for leading medium to the support surfaces 12A, 12B,12C; 14A, 14B, 14C of a handling means or to between the handling meansare arranged in the shaping means.

According to one embodiment the cross-sectional area inside the rotationrim that is smallest with respect to the axis of rotation in the radialdirection of the edge 13C of the aperture 11C of the handling means ofthe rotary shaper is smaller than the cross-sectional area of thereceiving aperture in the material transfer direction, such as thecross-sectional area of an output aperture 37, an output pipe 4 or atransfer pipe 5.

According to one embodiment the aperture 11A, 11B, 11C of the handlingmeans is disposed eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation.

According to one embodiment at least in the input direction of thematerial the angle α; β alfa, beta formed by the edges 13A, 13B; 13B,13C of the apertures 11A, 11B; 11B, 11C of two consecutive handlingmeans 10A, 10B; 10B, 10C is greater than 45 degrees.

According to one embodiment the mutual shape of the edges 13A, 13B, 13Cof the apertures of the handling means 10A, 10B, 10C is adapted suchthat they center the input material independently of the direction ofrotation of the rotatable handling means 10A, 10C.

According to one embodiment the aperture 11A, 11B, 11C of the handlingmeans is round or oval in shape.

According to one embodiment the edge 13A, 13C of the aperture 11A, 11Cof a handling means has a shape containing an outer curved section 13A1,13C1 and a second inner curved section 13A3, 13C3, which curved sectionsare connected with a mainly straight section 13A2, 13C2.

According to one embodiment the radius of curvature of the first curvedsection 13A1, 13C1 is greater than the radius of curvature of the secondcurved section 13A3, 13C3.

Typically the material is waste material, such as waste materialarranged in bags. The refuse chute can be adapted to be a part of apneumatic waste transfer system or it can be a separate part, in whichwaste material is conducted into the waste room, waste container orcorresponding.

It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the invention is notlimited to the embodiments presented above, but that it can be variedwithin the scope of the claims presented below. The characteristicfeatures possibly presented in the description in conjunction with othercharacteristic features can, if necessary, also be used separately toeach other.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for handling material in apneumatic materials handling system, comprising: a rotary shaper device(1), the rotary shaper device (1) including: an input aperture (6), tworotatable, ring-shaped handling means (10A, 10C), one stationaryring-shaped handling means (10B), and at least one replacement aircoupling (80, 90) connected to the rotary shaper device (1), whereineach of the handling means (10A, 10B, 10C) includes: an aperture (11A,11B, 11C) arranged eccentrically with respect to an axis of rotation ofthe corresponding rotatable handling means (10A, 10C), the methodcomprising: receiving the material in the input aperture (6), conductingreplacement air into connection with the rotary shaper device (1),rotating each of the two rotatable, ring-shaped handling means (10A,10C), and conducting the material into and through the apertures (11A,11B, 11C), at least partly by gravity, or by suction, or by a pressuredifference, or at least partly by a combination of two or more of thegravity, the suction, and the pressure difference.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, the method further comprising: adjusting intake ofthe replacement air with a shut off device or an adjustment device(81,91).
 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:improving an efficiency of a start of movement of the handled materialby arranging a shut off device or an adjustment device (81, 91) in theat least one replacement air coupling (80, 90).
 4. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein at least a part of the handling means (10A, 10B,10C) comprises a surface patterning consisting of a thread section, themethod further comprising: feeding the material to transfer piping (5)with the surface patterning, and transferring the material when the twohandling means (10A, 10C) are rotated via a compression phase formed byrotation of the two handling means (10A, 10C).
 5. The method accordingto claim 1, further comprising: shaping the material with the two,ring-shape rotatable handling means (10A, 10C) shapes the material,together with the stationary ring-shaped handling means (10B).
 6. Themethod according claim 1, wherein each of the apertures (11A, 11B, 11C)of the handling means (10A, 10B, 10C) has a cross-sectional area whichprovides a pathway for transferring the material, and the method furthercomprising decreasing a speed of travel of the material through thecross-sectional areas of the apertures (11A, 11B, 11C) in the handlingmeans (10A, 10B, 10C) in a direction of travel of the material.
 7. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising: varying a direction ofrotation of the rotatable handling means (10A, 10C).
 8. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising: driving the rotatable handlingmeans (10A, 10C) with a drive device (7) in order to vary a torque. 9.The method according to claim 1, further comprising: individuallyvarying a direction of rotation of the rotatable handling means (10A,10C).
 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the drive device (7)of the rotatable handling means (10A, 10C) is an electric motor, apneumatic motor, or a hydraulic motor.
 11. The method according to claim1, wherein the pneumatic materials handling system is a pipe transportsystem.
 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein each of thehandling means (10A, 10B) is supported by a part (27, 28) and includesmultiple support surfaces, the method further comprising: bringing amedium into a gap between at least a part of each of the handling means(10A, 10B, 10C) and bringing the medium into another gap between each ofthe handling means (10A, 10B, 10C) and the corresponding one of theparts (27, 28), thereby reducing a number of chips that can cause wearfrom going between the handling means (10A, 10B, 10C) and the supportsurfaces, or facilitating rotation of the handling means (10A, 10B, 10C)by reducing friction between the handling means (10A, 10B, 10C) and thesupport surfaces.
 13. The method according to claim 1, the apparatusfurther comprising: an edge (13A, 13B, 13C) on each of the apertures(11A, 11B, 11C), the method further comprising: forming a mutual shapeof the edges (13A, 13B, 13C) of the apertures so that the edges (13A,13B, 13C) of the apertures (11A, 11B, 11C) center the materialindependently of a direction of rotation of the rotatable handling means(10A, 10C).
 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein each of theapertures (11A, 11B, 11C) includes a continuous edge (13A, 13B, 13C)which forms a continuously curving closed surface surrounding the axisof rotation of the corresponding rotatable handling means (10A, 10C).15. An apparatus for handling material in a pneumatic materials handlingsystem, comprising: a rotary shaper device (1), the rotary shaper device(1) including: at least one input aperture (6) adapted to receive thematerial to be handled, two rotatable, ring-shaped handling means (10A,10C), one stationary ring-shaped handling means (10B), and at least onereplacement air coupling (80, 90) for conducting replacement air intoconnection with the rotary shaper device (1), wherein each of thehandling means (10A, 10B, 10C) includes: an aperture (11A, 11B, 11C)arranged eccentrically with respect to an axis of rotation of thecorresponding rotatable handling means (10A, 10C), and wherein thematerial to be handled is adapted to be conducted into and through therotary shaper device (1) at least partly by gravity, or by suction, orby a pressure difference, or at least partly by a combination of two ormore of the gravity, the suction, and the pressure difference.
 16. Theapparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: a shut off deviceor an adjustment device (81, 91) arranged in the at least onereplacement air coupling (80, 90).
 17. The apparatus according to claim15, further comprising: at least one replacement air coupling (80)fitted below the rotary shaper device (1) and into an output coupling(4), or into a pipe leading into a transfer piping (5).
 18. Theapparatus according to claim 15, wherein at least a part of the handlingmeans (10A, 10B, 10C) comprises a surface patterning consisting of athread section, that feeds the material, and the surface patterning isadapted to transfer the material when the two handling means (10A, 10C)are rotated via a compression phase formed by rotation of the twohandling means (10A, 10C).
 19. The apparatus according to claim 15,wherein each of the apertures (11A, 11B, 11C) of the handling means(10A, 10B, 10C) has a cross-sectional area which provides a pathway fortransferring the material, and a speed of travel of the material throughthe cross-sectional areas of the apertures (11A, 11B, 11C) in thehandling means (10A, 10B, 10C) decreases in a direction of travel of thematerial.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: alid part (27) above an upper most one the handling means (10A), a basepart (28) below a lowest one of the handling means (10C), a firstchannel (70) arranged in connection with the handling means (10A) forbringing a medium to a support surface (12A) of at least a part of thehandling means (10A), a second channel (71) arranged in connection withthe handling means (10A, 10B) for bringing the medium to a supportsurface (14A) of at least a part of the handling means (10A) and amedium to a support surface (14B) of at least a part of the handlingmeans (10C), a third channel (72) arranged in connection with thehandling means (10C) for bringing the medium to a support surface (14C)of at least a part of the handling means (10C), thereby reducing anumber of chips that can cause wear from going between the handlingmeans (10A, 10B, 10C) and the support surfaces, or facilitating rotationof the handling means (10A, 10B, 10C) by reducing friction between thehandling means (10A, 10B, 10C) and the support surfaces.
 21. Theapparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: channeling (73, 74)adapted to lead a medium to a support surface (14A) of the handlingmeans (10A), to lead the medium to a support surface (14C) of thehandling means (10C), and to lead the medium between individual ones ofthe handling means (10A, 10B, 10C)), thereby reducing a number of chipsthat can cause wear from going between the handling means (10A, 10B,10C) and the support surfaces, or facilitating rotation of the handlingmeans (10A, 10B, 10C) by reducing friction between the handling means(10A, 10B, 10C) and the support surfaces.
 22. The apparatus according toclaim 15, further comprising: a transfer pipe (5) arranged under alowest one of the two rotatable, ring-shaped handling means (10C); andan edge (13A, 13B, 13C) on each of the apertures (11A, 11B, 11C),wherein the two rotatable, ring-shaped handling means (10A, 10C) haveaxes of rotation along a central axis of a refuse chute (3) of therotary shaper device (1), the aperture (11C) of the lowest one of thetwo rotatable, ring-shaped handling means (10C) is disposed in a radialdirection with respect to the central axis of the refuse chute (3), andthe transfer pipe (5) has a diameter smaller than the aperture (11C) ofthe lowest one of the two rotatable, ring-shaped handling means (10C.23. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: an outletaperture (37) arranged under a lowest one of the two rotatable,ring-shaped handling means (10C); and an edge (13A, 13B, 13C) on each ofthe apertures (11A, 11B, 11C), wherein the two rotatable, ring-shapedhandling means (10A, 10C) have axes of rotation along a longitudinalaxis of a refuse chute (3) of the rotary shaper device (1), the aperture(11C) of the lowest one of the two rotatable, ring-shaped handling means(10C) is disposed eccentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis ofthe refuse chute (3), and the outlet aperture (37) has a diametersmaller than the aperture (11C) of the lowest one of the two rotatable,ring-shaped handling means (10C).
 24. The apparatus according to claim15, further comprising: an edge (13A, 13B, 13C) on each of the apertures(11A, 11B, 11C), wherein an input direction of the material the angle(α;β) formed by the edges (13A, 13B) of the apertures (11A, 11B) of twoconsecutive ones of the handling means (10A, 10B) is greater than 45degrees, and the input direction of the material the angle (α;β) formedby the edges (13B, 13C) of the apertures (11B, 11C) of two consecutiveones of the handling means (10B, 10C) is greater than 45 degrees. 25.The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: an edge (13A,13B, 13C) on each of the apertures (11A, 11B, 11C), and a mutual shapeof the edges (13A, 13B, 13C) of the apertures is adapted such that theedges (13A, 13B, 13C) of the apertures (11A, 11B, 11C) center thematerial independently of a direction of rotation of the rotatablehandling means (10A, 10C).
 26. The apparatus according to claim 15,wherein the aperture (11A, 11B, 11C) of the handling means is round oroval in shape.
 27. The apparatus according to claim 15, furthercomprising: an edge (13A, 13B, 13C) on each of the apertures (11A, 11B,11C), wherein the edges (13A, 13C) of the apertures (11A, 11C) haveshapes containing an outer curved section (13A1, 13C1) and a secondinner curved section (13A3, 13C3), and the curved sections (13A3,13C3)are connected with sections (13A2, 13C2) that are substantiallystraight.
 28. The apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising:an edge (13A, 13B, 13C), the outer curved section (13A1, 13C1), thesecond curved section (13A3, 13C3), and a third curved section (13A3) oneach of the apertures (11A, 11B, 11C), and a radius of curvature of theouter curved section (13A1, 13C1) is greater than the radius ofcurvature of the second curved section (13A3, 13C3).
 29. The apparatusaccording to claim 15, wherein each of the apertures (11A, 11B, 11C)includes a continuous edge (13A, 13B, 13C) which forms a continuouslycurving closed surface surrounding the axis of rotation of thecorresponding rotatable handling means (10A, 10C).